Uttarakhand braces for more thunderstorms, IMD issues fresh alert as Kempty Falls swell

A fresh wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across Dehradun and several other districts of Uttarakhand on Sunday evening, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and widespread disruption. The regional meteorological centre has issued a weather warning for Monday, cautioning residents about further rain, thunderstorms and squalls across the state.

04.05.2025#IndiaThere was #heavyrain in #Mussoorie, #Uttarakhand. Kempty Falls suddenly started overflowing. Along with the water, a huge amount of debris and stones started falling into the falls from the hill. Water from the road entered three to four shops. pic.twitter.com/LsFYNiGcif
Climate Review (@ClimateRe50366) May 5, 2025

The downpour caused Dehradun’s maximum temperature to fall to 34.7°C - nearly a degree below normal - while Mukteshwar saw a more significant dip, recording just 18°C, three degrees below average. Pantnagar settled at 33°C, reflecting the broader cooling trend across the region.

One of the most dramatic impacts was witnessed on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road, where heavy rainfall triggered a traffic standstill near Kincraig around 4pm after large mounds of debris blocked the route.
Mussoorie’s iconic Kempty Falls, a favourite among tourists, turned ferocious as torrents of rain lashed the hills. Videos circulating on social media showed the waterfall overflowing, with water surging into nearby shops and debris tumbling down from the hillsides. The sudden surge forced many tourists to remain indoors, with some cancelling their plans altogether.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that rain, thunderstorms and squalls will continue to affect Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Dehradun, Pauri, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora and Nainital over the coming days. Isolated hailstorms and gusty winds reaching 40–60 km/h are likely, particularly on May 5 and 6.

The State Emergency Operation Centre has advised residents, especially those in hilly areas and pilgrims on the Char Dham route, to exercise caution due to the risk of landslides and slippery roads. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities are on standby to respond to any emergencies.

The IMD’s latest state forecast warns of continued thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and gusty winds at isolated places through at least May 7, with some moderation expected only after that period. Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, keep emergency contacts handy and secure property against potential storm damage.